If you are considering a rhinoplasty, liposuction, breast enlargement or breast reduction, you're in good company. Plastic surgery continues to be more popular than ever: in 2006 alone, nearly 11 million of these procedures were performed in the United States. But deciding to have an elective surgical procedure, such as a rhinoplasty or liposuction, can be a costly choice. Unless your surgery is classified as reconstructive (such as the removal of a tumor), or you can prove that your health may be at risk without a cosmetic operation, few health insurance policies will cover these expenses. This coverage is typically extended only in exceptional circumstances, and may not cover the full cost of the procedure.

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What the Insurance Agencies Cover

Usually, health insurance companies will extend coverage to elective surgeries only in the following exceptional circumstances:

• Breast reconstruction after having a mastectomy
• Reconstructive surgery after an accident
• Rhinoplasty, if your breathing/respiratory health is compromised
• Liposuction, if your weight is a hazard to your well being

You would have to check with your health insurance provider, or prospective provider, in order to find out whether these elective procedures are covered in your plan, and how much of the total bill would be covered. But for operations that are purely cosmetic in nature, you may wish to take out an alternative insurance plan to help you with the cost.

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Alternative Insurance Options for Elective Surgeries

Even though most cosmetic operations are not covered by patients' existing health insurance policies, there are alternative coverage plans that will cover the costs. Before you make an appointment to have a cosmetic operation, you should learn about these alternative coverage insurance policies. The amount of coverage that an alternative insurance plan extends for elective procedures varies between providers, so make sure you know your options. By requesting a quote today, you may be able to get the surgery you want—for less.

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